The U.S. Department of Energy last month released the latest version of the Zero Energy Ready Home requirements for single-family homes. Version 2 of the ZERH requirements included an update of the thermal envelope insulation levels to those required by the 2021 Residential IECC, whereas the previous version (V1 Rev 8) stipulated 2015 IECC thermal insulation requirements. DOE also highlighted the new tax credits available to builders through the 45L builder energy efficiency tax incentive.
With the global focus on decarbonization, zero energy ready construction is attractive to builders and buyers for a variety of reasons. ZERH are verified by a qualified third-party and are at least 40 to 50 percent more energy-efficient than a typical new home.1 With this new version of the ZERH requirements, builders have many reasons to consider constructing them. Among the top three: